Mental health is a critical issue that affects people in all industries. However, important to all of us in the sheet metal and HVAC industry is the fact that workers often face working conditions and physical demands which can have a negative impact on their well-being.
The sheet metal and HVAC industry often includes long hours, tight deadlines, and intense working conditions that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Work related injuries and needed treatments such as painkiller and opioid use is often the first step in workers going down the path of poor mental health. In addition, many workers in the industry face financial stress, which can further exacerbate mental health problems.
A study conducted by the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) found that construction workers, including those in the sheet metal industry, are at a higher risk of suicide than workers in other industries. The study found that the rate of suicide among construction workers is four times higher than the national average for other workers.
Personal factors described above contribute to this increased risk along with a lack of access to mental health resources. All too often, the culture of the construction industry can make it difficult for workers to seek help. There is commonly a stigma attached to mental health issues, and workers may feel that admitting they are struggling with their mental health is a sign of weakness.
Suicide Prevention in the Sheet Metal Industry
To address the issue of mental health and suicide in the construction industry, several organizations have launched suicide prevention initiatives. SMACNA is one of these organizations. One way that SMACNA is addressing mental health and suicide prevention is by partnering with organizations such as CIASP by maintaining a Stakeholder status with the organization. SMACNA recently partnered with three other trade associations (MCAA, NECA and TAUC) to promote prevention strategies including a series of podcasts and an initiative to promote awareness of the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through a casino-style “988 chip” that can be given to workers as a reminder of the helpful resource. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
In addition, SMACNA is working to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. The organization encourages workers to speak openly about mental health. SMACNA also provides resources to employers to help them create a supportive work environment that promotes mental health and wellness. It's important for individual employers to take action to support their workers' mental health. One way to do this is to provide access to mental health resources such as counseling and support groups. Employers can also educate their workers on the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and encourage them to seek help if needed.
Recognizing the link between drug misuse and mental health, SMACNA recently backed two bipartisan bills in Congress to assist workers and others suffering from opioid and related substance abuse in their communities with the support of trained medical professionals. The Senate bill, S. 644, the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act (MOTA), would increase access to care for people, often in the workforce, experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD) by reforming outdated regulations governing the prescription and dispensing of methadone and related effective medications for treatment and recovery. In the House, H.R. 1359, the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act (MOTA), was also introduced.
Per SMACNA’s website, “As we know, the construction industry has one of the highest injury rates in the U.S., and opioids have commonly been prescribed to construction workers to treat the pain caused by these occupational injuries. Since use of opioids has led to addiction and overdose deaths, it is important for workers and employers, as well as policy makers, to understand the risks and needed alternatives.”
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources
Contractors should be on the lookout for resources developed by SMACNA, CIASP and others. In 2018, SMACNA launched its Mental Health Resources webpage, which provides a wealth of information and resources for workers and employers in the industry. The webpage includes information on mental health conditions, tips for managing stress, and a directory of mental health professionals. Trade organizations have developed a range of resources to support mental health and suicide prevention in the industry. These resources include:
- Mental health toolkits for employers: These toolkits provide guidance for employers on how to support their workers' mental health. It includes information on how to recognize the signs of mental health problems, how to provide support to workers who are struggling, and how to create a workplace culture that promotes mental health and wellness.
- Mental health awareness training programs: These programs provide training to workers on how to recognize the signs of mental health problems and how to support their colleagues who are struggling.
- Suicide prevention training programs: These programs provide training to workers on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and how to intervene to prevent a suicide attempt.
- Mental health screening tools: These tools allow workers to complete a brief online questionnaire to assess their mental health. The tool provides feedback and resources to workers who may be struggling with mental health issues.
In addition, SMACNA has made a commitment to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention through its publications and events. For example, the association has featured articles on mental health in its magazine, "SMACNews," and has included sessions on mental health and suicide prevention in its annual convention and other meetings.
Mental health and suicide prevention are important issues in the sheet metal industry and in the broader construction and manufacturing sectors. While these jobs have always been associated with physical risk, it's important to acknowledge the impact that they can have on mental health. By prioritizing mental health and suicide prevention, employers can not only improve the well-being of their workers but also increase productivity and reduce turnover. Top of Form
